“Hindi ko po sila kilala… Paano po kung napatay nila ako on the spot?” — Viral Baguio bullying victim speaks out

Learner says he was simply “napag-tripan” and had no previous conflict with alleged attackers

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — “Hindi ko po sila kilala. Napag-tripan lang nila ako.”

Days after a video of a learner allegedly being assaulted outside Pinget National High School went viral, the victim has spoken out about the attack, saying he did not know the individuals involved and had no previous conflict with them.

In an exclusive interview with Bombo Radyo Baguio on August 31, the learner, who has roots in Lubo, Tanudan, Kalinga, recounted not only the physical assault but also the fear and emotional distress he experienced after the incident and the subsequent spread of the video online.

The learner said the incident continues to affect his emotional well-being, particularly after the footage was posted and widely circulated on social media.

“Dahil po sa nangyari, naapektuhan po ang mental health namin at pagkatapos noon—lalo na kapag na-post, siyempre po mahihiya kami—maba-bash kasi baka masugod kami ng mga tao o kaya matawag-tawag ng kung anong pangalan,” he said.

‘Paano po kung napatay nila ako?’

The incident happened on August 26 outside Pinget National High School, where a video later circulated on social media showing the learner on the ground while allegedly being assaulted by another male student.

The footage showed the victim allegedly being punched and kicked and reportedly struck with a belt. Other students were also seen in the area as the incident unfolded.

Asked whether he knew the alleged attackers or had been bullied by them before, the victim said he did not.

He said the sudden attack made him fear for his life and think about what could happen to his family if he were seriously injured or killed.

“Hindi ko po sila kilala, napag-tripan lang nila ako. Paano po kung napatay nila ako on the spot? Paano po yung pamilya ko? Mag-aalala sila sa akin,” he said.

He added that he feared what might have happened had no one intervened, noting that the area where the incident occurred was relatively open but had few people around at the time.

School, police and government respond

As the video drew widespread public attention, authorities and the school moved to address the incident.

Two days after the August 26 incident, 15 minors identified in connection with the case were given a five-day suspension by the school as an initial administrative action.

The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) also continued its investigation into the incident, while authorities assessed the circumstances and possible legal actions, subject to the procedures governing cases involving minors.

The incident was also discussed during a dialogue in Baguio City on August 31 attended by elders from the victim’s community in Lubo, representatives from the Baguio City Government, Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP), parents and other concerned authorities.

During the dialogue, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong clarified that the five-day suspension was only an initial administrative action imposed by the school’s Child Protection Committee and did not constitute the final resolution of the case.

He said further proceedings would take into account evidence gathered by the BCPO and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), as well as the video footage and the victim’s testimony.

Lubo community chooses peace

Amid concerns and reports that members of the Lubo community might retaliate, Tanudan Mayor Jaedicke Rhoss Dagadag assured that the community has no plans to take the law into its own hands.

“Awan met iti plano iti taga Lubo nga agaramid iti madi kada bumales. Iti kayat da met lang ket diay peace,” Dagadag said in an earlier phone interview.

The mayor said the Lubo community wants the matter resolved peacefully and through the proper authorities and legal processes.

Dagadag also said he reached out to Magalong after the incident gained public attention to ask whether elders from Lubo could travel to Baguio City to check on the learner.

He assured Baguio officials that members of the community would not act aggressively or seek retaliation.

“In-assure tayo nga haan nga aggresibo dagitoy kakailyan tayo ken awan iti balak nga bumales ta iti kayat tayo ket peace metlaeng,” he said.

The Tanudan mayor added that the community would respect the decision of the victim’s parents on whether to pursue legal action or seek an amicable settlement, subject to applicable laws and procedures.

‘Humingi sila ng tawad’

Despite what happened, the victim said forgiveness remains possible—but only if those involved are willing to face him and acknowledge their alleged actions.

“Kung gusto po nila na mapatawad ko sila, edi humarap sila sa akin... sila mismo yung humingi ng tawad sa akin ta maabigay ko din yung opinyon ko sa mga ginawa nila,” he said.

For the Lubo community, the response to the incident will not be retaliation, according to its leaders. Instead, they said the matter will be left to the proper authorities and processes while the victim and his family decide on the next steps.

As the investigation and administrative proceedings continue, the incident has renewed attention on bullying and violence involving young people—and on the need to protect victims while ensuring that all minors involved are treated fairly under the law.